Inscribed: The Craft of Cutting Letters

The craft of engraving and carving letters has a rich heritage. Celebrate hand-cut words on objects – from signage and jewellery, to artworks and trophies.

This London Craft Week (8 – 12 May 2019), celebrate the craft of letter cutting with The Hand Engravers Association and The Lettering Arts Trust; step into the shoes of some of the UK’s most skilled craftspeople and discover how traditional techniques inform this contemporary craft practice.

The exhibition – ‘Inscribed’- will present a wide selection of artists’ work, alongside loans from the Goldsmiths’ Company, the Crafts Council and other collections, to provide a unique insight into the craft of letter cutting.

Exhibition Highlights

Events

The Craft of Cutting Letters - Building Tour and Exhibition

Thu 8 May or Fri 9 May 2019
12 - 1.15pm, £8

Celebrate the craft of letter cutting and discover the people behind the UK’s most exquisite jewellery and contemporary silverware with a behind-the-scenes building tour and curator’s introduction to the exhibition.

The Craft of Cutting Letters - Have-A-Go Workshops

Wed 8 – Fri 10 May 2019
1 – 2pm or 3 – 4pm, £8

There are many ways to manipulate metal to create text and patterns. Come and have-a-go at chasing, punching or embossing a letter, and gain an insight in to the craftsmanship and skills of a silversmith.

Engraving Demonstration with Sam Marsden and Louise Sorrell

Wed 8 May 2019
6pm – 8pm, £15

Witness the exceptional craftsmanship of master engraver Sam Marsden in action. The skill, patience and precision required of an engraver is unquestionable, but few of us get to see and understand the variety of techniques and tools used, and how they are employed. Sam will demonstrate with Louise Sorrell, who recently completed her Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship under her tutorage.

Letter Carving Demonstration with Thomas Sargeant

Thu 9 May 2019
6pm – 8pm, £15

In this live demonstration, stone carver, letter cutter and designer Thomas Sargeant will reveal how artists select stone for its different properties and uses, how an artwork is planned, the process for selecting appropriate tools and hand lettering and carving techniques. Thomas’ formal apprenticeship (2013 – 2015) was funded through The Lettering Arts Trust.

Creative Inspiration Walk: Text in the City

Fri 10 May 2019
12pm – 2pm, £15

Join City of London Guide Tina Baxter to explore the craft of cut lettering in the City. Starting from Blackfriars Station and finishing at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, you will be guided through the city streets, encountering the rich heritage and stories behind them and learn more about the skills required to carve, cut and engrave text.

Join lettering artist Mark Brooks for a workshop exploring the foundation of script; the starting point for practising classic calligraphy and inscribing metal, wood and glass. You will have the opportunity to develop calligraphy skills, using a broad edged calligraphy pen to form beautiful letters and flowing script. Ideal for beginners.